Dr. John Laubenthal, MD

Dr. John Laubenthal, MD is a Psychiatrist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Psychiatric care at his clinic in Panama City, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). General Psychiatrists are your primary partners in preventive mental healthcare, diagnosing and managing mental health disorders through medication and therapy, preventing relapse through proactive long-term care plans, coordinating crucial screenings, and fostering overall wellness to empower your journey to lasting mental health. He serves Individuals of all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (850) 249-7400 to schedule. With over 35 years of dedicated experience in Psychiatric care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. I was born and raised in Alabama and moved to PCB over 15yrs ago. I love this area and hope to practice here until I retire. The most satisfying part of being a Psychiatrist is watching the quality of Patient’s lives improve over time. I feel blessed to be able to have such a fulfilling career in such a wonderful area and feel honored to have so many people put so much trust in me. He earned his medical degree from University Of Alabama At Birmingham Heersink School Of Medicine in 1988, followed by residency training in Psychiatry at Vanderbilt University (1992). He is Board Certified in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology. He focuses on appropriate Diagnosis & Treatment of Adults with various Psychiatric Disorders, empowering patients to become experts in their own illness, and encouraging active participation in their treatment. He prioritizes avoiding potentially addictive medications when appropriate, helping patients understand associated risks. Dr. John Laubenthal provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. John Laubenthal is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. John Laubenthal can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. John Laubenthal provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• ADHD and-or ADD: Regular monitoring and proactive management of ADHD and/or ADD symptoms can reduce the likelihood of relapses and improve overall long-term well-being.
• Anxiety: Early detection and management of anxiety is crucial for preventing it from developing into more serious mental health issues and impacting your overall well-being.
• Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD): Identifying ADD early in childhood allows for timely interventions, minimizing the impact on a child's development and academic success, contributing to better long-term mental health.
• Bipolar Disorder: Managing bipolar disorder effectively through medication and therapy helps prevent debilitating mood swings and minimizes disruptions to daily life, promoting long-term well-being.
• Depressive Disorders: Taking steps to manage depressive disorders effectively, including seeking help and following treatment plans, can substantially reduce the risk of future episodes and improve your quality of life.
• Major Depressive Disorder: By addressing Major Depressive Disorder promptly through a combination of therapies and medication, individuals can reduce their risk of developing chronic mental health problems and improve their long-term outlook.
• Mood and Adjustment Disorder: By proactively monitoring for signs of mood and adjustment disorders and seeking help when needed, you can take control of your mental health and maintain a stable emotional state.
• Mood Disorders: Consistent monitoring and management of your mood disorder are key to preventing debilitating symptoms and enhancing your quality of life.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Managing OCD effectively through therapy and medication helps prevent debilitating obsessions and compulsions, improving overall quality of life and reducing the risk of long-term complications.
• Panic Disorder: Regular check-ups with your doctor and a proactive approach to managing stress can significantly help prevent panic disorder from worsening or leading to other mental health issues.
• Phobia: Phobias, if left untreated, can lead to avoidance behaviors and social isolation. Seeking help early helps manage the fear and prevent these negative consequences.
• Psychosis Due to Mental Illness: Preventing worsening symptoms and relapses associated with psychosis requires proactive care, including careful monitoring and adherence to treatment plans for the underlying mental disorder.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. John Laubenthal offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Strengthen your mental health foundation and prevent future episodes by engaging in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a therapy proven to improve symptoms and promote long-term well-being.
• Medication Management: Taking a proactive approach to medication management helps you and your doctor stay ahead of potential issues, improving symptom control and overall quality of life.
• Psychiatric Evaluation: A psychiatric evaluation is a vital step towards a healthier you, offering a comprehensive assessment to guide personalized treatment plans and prevent relapses.
• Psychiatric Medication Therapy: Working closely with your psychiatrist, medication therapy is a personalized approach to improving your mental health and decreasing chances of future relapses.
• Psychological Evaluations Prior to Bariatric Surgery: For a safer and more effective bariatric surgery experience, a pre-operative psychological evaluation helps identify and manage mental health challenges, promoting successful weight loss and overall well-being.
• Psychopharmacologic Treatment: Taking control of your mental wellness journey starts with finding the optimal medication to address your unique needs.
• Psychotherapy Services: Take a proactive step towards better mental well-being by exploring psychotherapy; it can help identify underlying issues and prevent future mental health challenges.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Psychiatrists in Florida.

Dr. John Laubenthal is dedicated to partnering with Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• By consistently attending follow-up appointments and engaging in strategies outlined by the psychiatrist, a patient successfully managed their ADHD symptoms, leading to improved focus and reduced instances of disruptive behaviors.
• By proactively addressing early signs of anxiety, a patient developed coping mechanisms and strategies to effectively manage their well-being, preventing further complications. This proactive approach fostered a sense of empowerment and control over their mental health.
• A family was relieved to learn that early identification of potential ADD symptoms led to a personalized plan, minimizing challenges in school and fostering a more positive home environment. This proactive approach allowed the child to thrive academically and socially.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Psychiatric care with Dr. John Laubenthal:

What is a Psychiatrist, and how are they different from a Psychologist?

Dr. Laubenthal's practice specializes in psychiatry, a medical branch focusing on mental health. Psychiatrists, being medical doctors, are uniquely qualified to prescribe and manage medications, in addition to providing therapy. Psychologists, while experts in psychotherapy and testing, are not medical doctors and cannot prescribe medication.

What can I expect during my first psychiatric evaluation with Dr. John Laubenthal?

Your first visit with Dr. Laubenthal will involve a comprehensive medical and psychiatric assessment. This will cover your medical history, current symptoms, and life circumstances to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. This is the first step in developing a holistic treatment plan, which may include medication, therapy, or both.

Do I have to take medication if I see a psychiatrist?

Dr. Laubenthal will discuss all treatment options, including psychotherapy and lifestyle changes, with you. Medication is a collaborative decision, recommended when it is the most effective tool for improving your quality of life and preventing symptoms from worsening.

How does Dr. John Laubenthal manage medication side effects?

Dr. Laubenthal takes a proactive and careful approach to managing medication side effects. His goal is to find the medication with the most benefit and fewest side effects for each patient. He will start with low doses, monitor closely, and is an expert at adjusting dosages or changing medications to find the best fit.

How long will I need to be on psychiatric medication?

The length of time you need psychiatric medication is highly individualized and depends on your specific condition. For some, it may be short-term, while for others, it's a long-term strategy to manage symptoms and prevent relapse, similar to managing other chronic health conditions. This is something we will discuss together with Dr. Laubenthal.

How are panic attacks treated with medication?

Dr. Laubenthal's practice utilizes a two-pronged approach to medication for panic attacks. Daily preventive medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), help reduce the overall frequency and intensity of attacks. Fast-acting anti-anxiety medications may also be prescribed for use during acute episodes.

Can you help with sleep problems like insomnia?

Yes, Dr. Laubenthal is an expert in sleep-wake disorders. He will first rule out any underlying medical or psychiatric causes and then recommend treatments, including behavioral therapies (like CBT-I) and, when appropriate, safe and effective sleep medications.

What is the role of a psychiatrist in treating eating disorders?

Dr. Laubenthal leads the treatment team, monitoring physical health, managing co-occurring conditions with medication, and collaborating with therapists and dietitians to ensure a safe and effective recovery.

2226 Thomas Dr
Panama City FL 32408
Phone: (850) 249-7400

Dr. John Laubenthal, MD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1528064458

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Psychiatrists like Dr. John Laubenthal are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your psychiatrist about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.